Treat Pre-Diabetes To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is rapidly rising over the years. Most of us are unaware that before the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, every diabetic person goes through a stage known as pre-diabetes, which unfortunately remains undiagnosed in majority of cases. It is estimated that in US itself there are about 57 million people with pre-diabetes. In this stage, the insulinlevels are higher than normal, but lower than the diabetes level. Health experts suggest that by modifying diet and lifestyle, people with pre-diabetes could prevent development of type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosing pre-diabetes
Blood tests help to determine whether you are suffering from pre-diabetes. To diagnose pre-diabetes, you have to undergo fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If your blood glucose level following FPG is between 100mg/dl and 126mg/dl or if your blood glucose level after OGTT is between 140mg/dl and 200mg/dl, you will be diagnosed as pre-diabetic. If you are above 40 and with a family history of diabetes, you should go for a pre-diabetes test. People leading sedentary lifestyle or with body mass index above 24.9 should monitor their blood sugar level.

Treating pre-diabetes
By treating pre-diabetes, you can prevent development of type 2 diabetes. You can easily take care of pre-diabetes through diet and exercise. Regular moderate physical activity such as brisk walking for about 30 minutes could help to reduce your blood sugar level. To reduce your blood sugar level you should reduce your body weight through exercise and modification in diet. Health experts have found that 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight could bring down your diabetes risk by over 50 percent. Diet plays an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes and curing pre-diabetes. Your diet should comprise primarily of whole grain products and non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and beans. Include colorful fruits and vegetables in your meal. Dried beans and lentils are good for the health of pre-diabetics. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish could be part of the meal. Cut down the proportions of unsaturated fats in your diet. Have lean meats, fat free milk and dairy products. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. Reduce the size of the portions.